James Chen
Food & Drink Writer
8 years in Japan
Former chef. Now eats his way through Tokyo and writes about it.
Moved to Tokyo from San Francisco in 2016. Worked in kitchens in both cities before switching to food journalism. Lives in Nakameguro.
Tokyo
Expertise
Ramen, izakaya, Tokyo restaurants, food culture
Articles by James Chen
Food and Drink
Best Tokyo Food Tours: Markets, Izakaya, and Sake (2026)
Sep 10·10m
How To
Tokyo Last Train Times 2026: Miss Shuden? What Next
Aug 19·8m
Culture
Tokyo Standing Bars (Tachinomi): Cheap Drinks, No Chairs, Zero Pretending
Aug 19·10m
Food and Drink
Tokyo's Most Talked-About New Restaurants in 2026
Aug 15·7m
Food and Drink
Udon in Japan: What Makes Sanuki Udon Different, and Where to Eat It
Aug 13·7m
Travel
Universal Studios Japan: Complete Osaka Theme Park Guide (2026)
Aug 5·9m
Culture
Japan Fireworks Festivals 2026: Best Hanabi and How to Watch
Jun 5·10m
Culture
Golden Gai Tokyo Guide 2026
Jun 3·12m
Travel
Hakone Guide: Mt. Fuji Views, Onsen, and How to Do It Right (2026)
Jun 3·10m
Travel
Kobe Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat, and See (2026)
Jun 3·10m
Travel
Osaka Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat, and See (2026)
Jun 3·12m
Food and Drink
Best Izakaya in Tokyo: Where to Drink and Eat (2026)
Mar 18·11m
Food and Drink
Japanese Food Guide: What to Eat in Japan (2026)
Mar 17·11m
Food and Drink
Best Sushi in Tokyo: From ¥100 Conveyor Belts to Omakase Counters
Mar 12·8m
How To
What Is an Izakaya? How to Order, What to Eat, and What It Costs
Feb 14·6m